Executive Director
Tacoma / Washington, US
August, 2013 – August, 2019
The Foss Waterway Seaport celebrates Tacoma’s rich maritime heritage—past, present and future.
The Foss Waterway Seaport is Puget Sound’s maritime heritage, education, and event center where families, groups and communities come to discover, explore, work and play. Located on the waterfront in a century-old wooden wheat warehouse (listed on the National Registry of Historic Places), it is one of two remaining wooden warehouses, with others that once stretched almost a mile long that were originally built for cargo arriving by rail and departing by sail, (“where rails met sails “) during the early years of Tacoma. Activities include: Maritime Heritage Exhibits, Heritage Boat Shop, Guest Boat Moorage, Land & Boat Based Education Programs and Event Rental Space.
• Directed the startup fundraising, construction and launch from seasonal to year round operation, consolidating collections and staff in one location
• Led a team that raised over $5 M for capital historic renovation and improvements that included installation of an HVAC system, LED Illumination program and operational funding from state, foundations, corporation and private donors, including an annual fundraiser that netted over $100 K
• Organized, fundraised and implemented an annual Maritime Festival with tall ships, schooners, maritime music and activities stimulating effective community activation and participation
